Chapter 81

Chapter 81
The kite flew successfully up into the sky , and Celeste and Shanice smiled brightly .
While watching Celeste’s smile , Beck’s gaze darkened slightly .
Noticing his gaze , Celeste asked , puzzled , “What’s wrong ?
“ Nothing , ” he replied simply .
Celeste didn’t press further and led Shanice a little farther away . Beck stayed nearby , keeping his promise not to intrude .
When they got tired of flying the kite , Celeste and Shanice either moved to the lakeside to fish or crouched by a vendor’s small pond , studying the little fish swimming inside before trying to catch them with small nets .
Soon , it was midday .
Beck hadn’t prepared any food since he only intended to take Shanice out for a stroll . As lunchtime approached , he saw Shanice getting hungry , so he suggested eating at a small nearby restaurant .
Having spent a relaxing couple of hours , Celeste felt much better than earlier and didn’t refuse his suggestion .
During the meal , Celeste mostly chatted with Shanice .
Seeing how well they got along , Beck didn’t try to join their conversation , content with silently moving their favorite dishes closer to them .
Celeste , engrossed in her conversation with Shanice , didn’t notice his subtle gestures .
A while later , Beck’s phone rang
Glancing at the caller ID , he said to Celeste , “ I’ll take this call . ”
“ Alright , ” Celeste replie
replied .
The call was from Miles .
Walking a bit farther away , Beck answered , “ What’s up ? ”
“ Where are you ? Have you eaten? A friend of mine just sent over some fresh seafood . Why don’t you come over and have some ? Trevor and the others will be there too . ”
Beck glanced at Celeste and Shanice nearby , then replied calmly , “ I’ve already eaten . Maybe next time .
“ How about tonight ? There’s a yacht party . Trevor and the others have confirmed they’ll come . Why don’t you bring your little niece along ? We haven’t had the chance to meet her yet . This could be a good opportunity to introduce her to everyone . ”
Beck declined again , “ She’s shy and doesn’t do well with crowds . She might feel uncomfortable on the yacht . ” “ No worries . Jo will be there too . They’re about the same age , so they should get along . See you at seven . ” Before Beck could refuse , Miles hung up .
After lunch , Celeste and Shanice spent more time together , chasing butterflies and riding bicycles .
When they were both thoroughly tired , they stopped to rest Shanice eventually fell asleep .
Celeste , also feeling the day’s exertion , decided to head home . She quietly drove off .
Chapter 11
Beck watched her car disappear into the distance before leaving as well .
Later , when Shanice woke up and didn’t see Celeste , she frowned slightly . “Where’s Ms. Rodriguez ? ”
“ She went home , ” Beck replied
“ Oh … ” Shanice’s disappointment was evident .
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At seven that evening , Beck boarded the yacht as scheduled
Trevor and the others had already arrived . When he saw Beck , Miles waved him over .
Upon seeing Shanice , Miles smiled and said , “ This must be Shanice , the little beauty . Hello there , I’m Miles Quinton , a friend of your uncle . ”
The yacht was crowded , and Shanice was shy and reserved in such a setting .
After Miles introduced himself , Wynn arrived with Jordyn in tow .
Beck hesitated briefly upon seeing them .
When she heard that Shanice was shy , Jordyn introduced herself and extended a hand , saying warmly , “ There are lots of kids playing over there . Want to come with me ? ”
Shanice looked at Beck . Only after he nodded encouragingly did she muster the courage to follow Jordyn .
Miles grinned as the children walked away and teased , “ How does it feel being a babysitter for the first time ?” “ It’s fine . ”
Although Shanice was shy , she was well – behaved , so taking care of her wasn’t too tricky .
Trevor handed him a glass of wine . “ Care for a drink ? ”
Chapter 82
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Chapter 82